Staff Acceptable Use Policy:

As staff at Mountaintop Montessori, we set the example for appropriate online behavior for our community. With the advent of blogs, wikis, twitter and social networking sites like Facebook, this behavior is no longer relegated to the classroom environment. Our online interactions are available 24/7. Most of these guidelines are about using common sense whenever and wherever you are online.

While at Mountaintop, I will use technology (whether it is Mountaintop equipment or my own) primarily for educational purposes.
This includes things like not surfing the Internet, updating social networking sites like Facebook and sending instant messages while in front of students. Cell phones should be used for emergency purposes only and should be set on vibrate. Cell phones should not be used as your watch or timer. Please return calls during your break time. In addition, laptop usage for recording lessons and student progress should not be done in the lesson space. Please do this record-keeping function in an adult space.

I understand that Mountaintop is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen equipment that I bring to school.
Please contact Becky, if you are bringing your own computer to school. She needs to verify that anti-virus software is installed and setup access to the Internet.

I understand that I am solely responsible for what I say and do online and that I am expected to meet the code of ethics and standards of conduct set out in the Staff Handbook in this setting.
It is more important than ever that you consider how your online conduct could reflect on you and the school. Carefully consider all the implications of interacting on social networking sites with students, parents, other staff members and the community at large. Think before you click - there is no undo button once you post something online.

I will use the e-mail account provided by Mountaintop Montessori (@mountaintopmontessori.org) for school-related activities.
These accounts can be monitored and they are setup to use for school-related purposes only. These e-mail addresses have been published to parents with the expectation that e-mail will be a crucial form of communication. E-mail will also be used to communicate within Mountaintop, so you need to check your Inbox at least once a day and respond to parent e-mail within 24 hours. Please do not use e-mail for confidential communication. Once you send an e-mail, you no longer have control where the contents end up. Consult the staff handbook for further guidance on communicating confidential information. Remember to only give out your professional e-mail to trusted sources, treat it like a credit card number.

I will not post online any digital images or video captured on campus without prior approval.
The capturing of digital images and/or videos on campus, on a field trip or anytime Mountaintop students are involved can be used in the classroom for learning or shared with parents for information, but should not be posted online without authorization. Contact Leigh Ann if you have questions about sharing digital images or to find out about posting online.

I am responsible for monitoring student online activity.
We do not use web filtering on campus, so it is critical that you use safe computing practices when you are on the Internet. In addition, only UE and MS students are allowed to use computers on campus. If a student is using a computer or cell phone in a classroom, office, or anywhere on campus, a staff member is responsible for the monitoring and oversight of their Internet activity. UE students are not allowed to search the Internet without guide permission. MS students are not allowed to use technology outside the middle school building. Students in after school or on a field trip are not allowed to use any electronic device, except a camera. Any inappropriate use of technology by a student should result in immediate loss of technology privileges and a note to Kim providing the incident details.

I will use technology resources at Mountaintop Montessori responsibly. This includes things like:

  • Not downloading inappropriate or unauthorized content
  • Not opening unknown attachments or clicking on unknown links
  • Not forwarding chain letters and carefully using reply all
  • Not accessing internet sites that are offensive, obscene, libelous, disruptive or that contain inflammatory
  • language or pictures
  • Not violating copyright laws
  • Caring for the equipment appropriately
  • Respecting the privacy of others
  • Self-limiting use of printer ink and paper
  • Using appropriate language and subject matter
  • Saving and backing up my work (if you don't already have a memory stick to do this, contact Becky)